Church Woes

[johnf]

Since we've moved after my job change we are having trouble finding a new church home. The only church that we've been to that we really liked was a non-denom which I don't have a problem within itself, but the preacher said something that I felt was pretty fundamentally wrong. I said something about it after church and he rolled over on it pretty quickly and said I was right. Not 10 minutes after spending an hour preaching on it.

The baptist churches that we've been to seem rather "dead" for a lack of a better term. Not really sure what we're gonna do. I don't really know if this is a prayer request or just a venting session. Anyway, I'd just like to have a place to take my family and know they are getting what they need.

[TreeStandBowHunter]

We are having that same problem over here in Okinawa too. My wife said I need Jesus BAD so I been going along to church latley. The only one so far that I found that I liked here was a Southern Baptist church. The only problem is the preacher is dull and boring.

The problems I come across with in trying to find a church is either one or several of the problems that I list below:

People are not friendly

Youth ministry is not that great

Preacher is dull and boring (see above)

People are too fanitical (jumping around, falling over pews,etc)

I can't comprehend the sermon

Songs are boring and no beat in them(I been to churches where the praise and worship is awsome and moving with the help of musical instruments)

All black

All white

The list goes on and on...

My point is why can't I find a church that has everything I want:confused:

[johnf]

I feel your pain.

[unioncountyslayer]

I'm honestly not being sarcastic here or not "feeling your pain". But try not to focus on the small things. Church is what you make of it. If I got bent out of shape everytime I didn't agree with a certain detail, I'd be church hopping my entire life. You're never going to find a perfect church, or one that has EVERYTHING that you want. If they preach the gospel, eventually you will find a fit, but sometimes you have to work at it yourself. Just my 2 cents. Good luck finding a new home.

[johnf]

Oh there you go talking about personal responsibility.

What about "MY NEEDS":p:D

[Ravin R10 man]

Because you are looking for a "perfect" church..it dont exsist..find one that is preaching the gosple from the word of God, and go.

I just read unions reply..I agree..

[unioncountyslayer]

Oh there you go talking about personal responsibility.

What about "MY NEEDS":p:D

HaHa, spoken like a true Southern Baptist.

[Southerngirl]

I agree that you will never find a 'perfect' church, cause nothing on this earth is.

however I agree you have to find a church that meets your needs, if you don't feel welcome, if you don't get anything out of the sermon, if you just don't 'feel' right then your not going to get anything out of going to that church.

Keep looking or just read your Bible at home, I hope you both find a church that fills you

[preacherman]

I agree that you will never find a 'perfect' church, cause nothing on this earth is.

however I agree you have to find a church that meets your needs, if you don't feel welcome, if you don't get anything out of the sermon, if you just don't 'feel' right then your not going to get anything out of going to that church.

Keep looking or just read your Bible at home, I hope you both find a church that fills you

Sorry, but I agree to some point; but disagree. We all tend to have the mentality that church is all about US. But truthfully, it is all about HIM! Sometimes we have a tendency to go into to a church wanting to see what this church can do for us..........when sometimes we need to go into a church seeing what we can do for it and well as the Lord through it.

And as far as reading your Bible at home and having church at home if you can't find one that "fits" you.........I totally disagree. That is the great American cop out. Because it doesn't matter to me how great of a "Christian" that you are; you still need a fellowship of believers to help you grow and stay accountable.

[Tominator]

Interesting.

I guess being a Catholic I've got it lucky. Doesn't matter where you go, the Catholic service is the same. I've experienced "dead parishes" and ones that I love; a lot depends on the priests in the particular parish.

[stevebeilgard]

it's all about the people who attend, and the minister. keep looking until you find a church more to your liking.

[Guest BakerMan]

Hello and my 2 cents

I am new to this forum, so would like to begin by saying hello. I'm looking forward to sharing with other hunters who put God first in their lives!

Now for my 2 cents:)

I think it's really great if a person can find a church with "everything", but I also think it's very rare. Indeed, the 'perfect' church doesn't exist (not if it has members anyway).

So, if I was having a hard time finding a church that appealed to me, I would begin by praying and asking God to lead me to the church of His choice or visit churches and ask Him if this is the one. (Actually, this would be step 1, but I'm gathering that you are already at step 2).

If a church is biblically sound and there are no other choices, I would seek God's help in making me an agent of change while being supportive of the authority God has ordained for that church. Sometimes, when I'm surrounded by people I don't care for, or in situations I don't like, it's because God is wanting to work on a character flaw in ME. When I finally realize this, I stop praying 'change my situation' and start praying 'change me'.

In an age of 'seeker friendly' mega-churches I think it's easy to get the idea that church should be a big spiritual country club with non-stop activities and programs that make us feel good about ourselves after a tough week in the 'world'. Biblically speaking, though, the churches' role is to allow us to fulfill the biblical mandate to:"not forsake the assembling of yourselves together...". Also, we should view church as an opportunity to help meet the needs of fellow christians, not always as a way to get My needs met.

I am not saying church can't be fun and exciting, but if I'm in a season of my life when I can't find such a church, I must make the best of the situation with God's help. I know it's Gods will to assemble with other believers. I know it's His will to grow and mature spiritually. I know the bible is true. Therefore, regardless of feelings and emotions, I must act by faith and believe that if I attend a christian church where the bible is preached rightly divided, then God will '...not allow His word to return void, but will accomplish all that He pleases...'

Hope I didn't rant too much on my first post:eek:

Have a blessed day!!!

Alan

[Bachflock]

A solid church should first and foremost feed and stir the spirit of the person through a truthful and doctrinally correct presentation of God's Holy Word. Everything else should be secondary.

If a person walks into a church and isn't either challenged to find salvation through the saving grace of Jesus Christ or motivated to further their relationship with God the Father through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ its a dead church. Period. Not every sermon or message will make a person want to jump up right there and delve into the Bible for more. However, the life of believer is as dependent upon God's Word as it is with condition of his heart. The church can be doctrinally sound and true to the Word but the person's heart can be cold and hardened and generally immobile except by self will. Meaning - you have to have a heart willing to learn in order to seek out God's truth. Unfortunately the Bible cannot be taken in passively to be effective.

No church on Earth will ever reach perfection because human beings are involved. Tragic fact that points back to Adam and Eve.

NOW - I understand what you're saying for the most part. Over the years I've been to only a couple of churches that I felt at home very quickly. Only two churches did I know immediately it wasn't the church for me. Others have been in between. Church service is no place for entertainment; at heart its about praising and worshiping God and growing spiritually. Being bored in service sounds like a self serving excuse. Not trying to be bitey there, simply offering my opinion. However, if the preacher isn't sticking to the Word or you get a cold reception from the members (and you generally have to attend more than once to get a true impression) then maybe it isn't a living church. One church in my experience: The members fell over themselves welcoming us in; very friendly and receptive. However, it was clear early on the preacher didn't rely on the Word to teach from. Sure, he'd read a qiupette of scripture to start but the rest of the sermon seldom referred back to it and it was stories and non-biblical illustrations. We went to that church for about two months but simply weren't being spiritually fed from the Word. Another church we tried was just the opposite. Great pastor, preached right out of the Bible true to the Word. I felt like an outcast among the members. Never once invited over for a cup of coffee, lunch, or even a simple sit down and chat. I stuck to that church for about a year. The church I attend now we've been at for 9 years. Rock solid in the Bible teaching. The very first time we visited people were walking right up and greeting us, even got invited to lunch by two different families, etc. Strong music ministry that glorifies God - not as contemporary as some but it doesn't take the focus off its primary purpose simply to draw in more people or keep people entertained. ETC ETC ETC...

I guess my point if you're heart is in the right place then being challenged to grow in God would be your primarily goal in finding a solid church. The other stuff, while important, is secondary. NO church will have everything dead on 100% of the time.

[johnf]

Here is what I'm looking for.

Spiritual nourishment for my whole family.

Opportunity to serve God with all he has blessed me with.

A place where all of us can grow in Christ.

Right now the one we've been going to doesn't have anything for adults on Wed or Sunday nights. It's all kids activities, no big church.

[Jimfrompa]

johnf,

Please know that a church out there is looking for you. We each are blessed with certian gifts and are needed in a specific church to complement the others who are in that church. that being said. How do we know where we belong??? We dont we need God to guide us to the place he has set aside for our gifts to be used. the Holy Spirit is the guide. We need to seek the kingdom first and all the things we need will follow. I believe you ARE seeking the kingdom and that God has a place for you. He will guide you. Meanwhile you didn't pray for patince did you? He will get you to the place he wants you. He's on the throne and in charge. God bless you brother. Have you ever thought of Pennsylvania. We could always use another Godly family here.

[johnf]

Meanwhile you didn't pray for patince did you?

No way, I've played that game. Not going to say if I won or lost. I do have more patience now.

God bless you brother. Have you ever thought of Pennsylvania. We could always use another Godly family here.

Thanks, that's the nicest thing I think you could have said.

[Guest flyrodsnlongbows]

John, it is very important to understand that the Church is the Body of Christ. It is a universal collection of True Believers world wide who are indwelt with one common thing, and that is the Holy Spirit of the Lord Jesus.

Here in America men have tried to sell the proposition that the numerous religous organizations are the "Church". Nothing could be further from the truth. These groups exist merely to feather their own nests. They have sold the premise that "church" is a physical place where pews, alters, and pulpits represent the Body of Christ. However Gods Word is very clear that the Church resides in the heart of the Believer, and that that Believer is a priest in and of himself, able to directly connect with God the Father.

Sadly American religion has also taught many that "Church" occurs at set periods, or time, in physical places. One need only read the Holy Scriptures to see that such teaching has no foundation. Even worse, these religious groups have totally ignored the Biblical proclamations found in Matthew 24, and 2Thessalonians 2, which say that Satan himself will set at the head of local congregations, and that the Believers will flee in the end times.

Why is this so?. Why does religion try to sell the "church on sunday" proposition????....Very simple...The "love of money". American "religion" is big business. A multibillion dollar industry complete with religious superstars who pack areanas, stadiums, and local "houses of worship". "Christianity" dwarfs the likes of Microsoft, and Walmart. It has its own celebrities, music, t-shirts, bumper stickers, and so forth.

It's whole purpose is to grow the bottom line. "Churches" devour the most prime parcels of US real estate. More filled pews equals more dollars. Here in America we have hundreds, if not thousands of religous groups all selling the Gospel according to them. All have very serious differing doctrinal beliefs, but all share a common bond.......to teach that "church" attendance is a must. Show me a man who lives out of the collection plate, and you will have a man who preaches about attending "church".

When folks ask me what "Church" I attend, I simply say, the same one that Paul the apostle attended. That usually leaves them scratching their heads. Remember there is a "Church" in certain locations. For instance, the True Believers who live in New York can properly be called the Church in New York, or the Church in Texas, or in the United States, and so forth.

However, it is man who created religous groups we see on every street corner in America. The true Church was created by God Himself. It never falters from, or fails to fellowship. It is directed by the Hand of God Himself, hence it is always in line with His Desire, and Will.

Please do not confuse it with what man created, that is the sunday morning "church" building attendance thing. Such things come from the minds of man. Gods Church is Holy, and Established long before American religion became all the rage.

Know this, and live in peace.